Mark Hughes has spoken of his abiding affection for the FA Cup as he prepares to try and clear the first hurdle.

Mark Hughes has spoken of his abiding affection for the FA Cup as he prepares to try and clear the first hurdle with Manchester City.

The Welshman has an impressive record in the tournament both as a player and as a manager.

He collected four winners' medals with Manchester United and Chelsea in a glittering club career.

Then against the odds he took Blackburn to two semi-finals in the competition, not to mention a League Cup last-four place.

Ahead of City's meeting with Nottingham Forest tomorrow, he said: "We are looking to progress as it is far and away the most prestigious domestic cup competition in the world. As a consequence it should be given the respect it deserves.

"It is a competition that has figured highly in my career both as a player and a manager.

"It is something I have enjoyed participating in. We are still in the UEFA Cup but we would like a good domestic cup run as well."

Midfielder Stephen Ireland is doubtful for the third-round match because of a hamstring problem. Nedum Onuoha has already been ruled out of a similar injury.

Robinho, however, is expected to shrug off a thigh strain in time for the game against the Coca-Cola Championship side at Eastlands.

Forest named former Derby manager Billy Davies as their new manager this week and Hughes expects a response from their players.

He said: "When a new man comes in, there seems to be a positive impact. They will have a big following as they have a great fan base.

"The supporters will get behind the team and expect them to compete. We will have to approach it in the right manner. We do not want to be making headlines for the wrong reasons."

Hughes could hand a starting role to striker Daniel Sturridge after he changed the face of the game against Blackburn.

City were staring defeat in the face only for Sturridge to pull a goal back and set up a stoppage-time equaliser from Robinho.

Hughes said: "Daniel is a young player we want to keep here. When he's had an opportunity, he's usually made an impact.

"He is a talented boy and we are looking to hang on to our quality players and not all allow them to go out the door."